Do backpackers neglect our own countries tourist spots in our rush to discover an exotic destination?

In all our travels around the world and our quest to discover new countries and all the amazing sights, sounds and experiences we are privileged with along the way, how much of our own country do we leave unseen and undiscovered?

And just as a little anecdote…. We started camping in the Sierras extensively when I was about 9. A few years later I asked my Dad if we could go somewhere “cool” like Crater Lake or Yellowstone. His answer?

When we`re done with California….

I`m fortunate to spend extended stays in Switzerland these past few years and enjoy going to the smaller, out of the way places that most tourists would never think to visit.

– quite a lot of people get bored of the place they grew up or have lived in for a long time. This usually just holds for the town or city though it might be true at a country level also to some extent. Obviously if you are in a big country with a lot of variety there is more scope.

– it is really interesting to go somewhere very different from what you are used to, not just the landscape but the language and culture. I don’t know about everyone else, but a trip to Laos or India sounds way more exciting to me than a trip to some European destination, though the latter is fun too.

– did anyone mention the British weather? Depressing to stay here all year round. I guess this applies to some extent to other northerly countries. Though even in Finland you can easily go swimming in the summer whereas here – lots of nice beaches really pretty to look at but not warm enough to swim except for a handful of days. And even then the water is murky.

Very true Pirate. Some countries are more blessed than others I suppose. Yosemite is definitely on my bucket list by the way!

Tim and Alex I agree with both of you. I still love getting away and discovering new places as much as I always have, but I’m also aiming to visit those places in my own country I haven’t yet seen on short trips in between my longer backpacking trips abroad now, trying to get the best of both worlds!